Cancer of the mesotheliumwill show a few primary symptoms. The main symptom of pleural mesothelioma is a lack of breath due to pleural effusion ” the increase of fluid in the membrane, or pleura, around the lung. The second most common symptomis chest pain because the tumor is attacking the chest wall. Other symptoms may include weight loss, fatigue, and night sweats
The main indicator of patients with peritoneal mesothelioma, which begins in the abdomen, is the swelling of the abdomen because of fluid accumulation (ascites), abdominal pain, and bowel obstruction.
It is important to note that many of these symptoms may be caused by other conditions. However, if you have been exposed to asbestos and have these symptoms, you should visit a doctor.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is problematic to diagnose, because the symptoms are also experienced in less serious health issues. Symptoms typical for mesothelioma:
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest or lower back pain associated with an excess of fluid in the pleura
- Burning up
- Upset stomach
- Breathy voice
- Having trouble swallowing
- Spitting up blood
Do not attempt self-diagnosis. People suffering from the above symptoms should remain calm and consult a doctor. The standard way to confirm the condition is with a biopsy. A pathologist takes a small tissue sample from the suspected region and examines it to return a highly accurate diagnosis. Biopsies are typically pain-free.
Another option is a CT (Computed Tomography) scan. This is an X-ray procedure where a scanner takes many cross-sectional images as it rotates around the body. A patient might have to ingest a dye to help define the pictures. CT scans have the advantage of being non-invasive and easier, and they are recognized as being effective in diagnosis. Opinion is divided as to whether the scan is more or less cost-effective than a biopsy. If there are abnormalities, a biopsy may also be ordered to determine if a tumor exists, and if so, whether it is malignant or benign. It is also possible to diagnose pleural mesothelioma by testing a sample of fluid from the pleura for cancer cells.
These methods can also diagnose and screen patients for mesothelioma. Patients are screened when they suspect they may be at risk but do not have typical symptoms, to make sure they are not in danger or to catch the cancer as early as possible. Patients who have in their past inhaled asbestos, should be screened for mesothelioma.
